Sophocles has set a high moral standard in Antigone. Sophocles addresses the theme of obeying the law versus following one’s conscience in his play Antigone.
Antigone shows the courage to stand up for her convictions in the face of threats and demands from authority. She is a heroine who is admirable and inspiring. A moral decision of this magnitude could drive someone less courageous to madness.
In the beginning of the play, Antigone has to decide between life and love. Her choices are simple: she has the option to disobey Creon in order to bury Polyneices. Or, she can obey Creon while leaving Polyneices unearthed. Antigone tells us that she has made up her mind and knows exactly what she is going to do. She says: “I’ll not lie to It’s not for me to be kept from mine” (52-54)
Antigone speaks to Ismene and we can see how each sister represents the opposing side and the characteristics that go with it: Ismene represents subservience and obedience; Antigone represents honor, courage, loyalty and honesty. The dialogue between the sisters shows that following the law has many benefits, including avoiding trouble with Creon and preserving Antigone’s life.
Antigone doesn’t even consider them, as her motivations to disobey are far more important. The reasons for disobedience have their own rewards. Family loyalty, sisterly loving, mercy and truthfulness to oneself are just a few. Antigone’s actions require virtues that are rare and few can stand up to adversity.
Antigone’s determination to do the right thing is unwavering, even in the face of opposition. Antigone has a sister named Ismene who, as we have already seen, is the perfect foil for her bravery. Ismene fulfills the stereotypes of women in Creon’s social order perfectly because she is weak and effeminous. She tells Antigone to “realize that we’re only women and aren’t meant by nature to battle against men. That we are ruled and obedient to those who have more strength” (70-73).
Antigone is determined to stay true to her conscience, and to honor, despite her mother’s desire to keep her out of trouble. Antigone’s main rival is Creon. Creon believes in himself and his authority. He also shows a strong disdain towards women. He tells Haemon that disobedience is the worst thing. It destroys towns, homes and allies.
We must never let anyone say, “A woman defeated us. Antigone is therefore a clear representation of everything Creon fears the most. He wants people to be submissive to him and to fear his power.
He says to his son, “It is vile (to yield] to woman” (808), and refers women in the most brutal way as “fields[to] be plough[ed]” (627). These characters’ views of Antigone help us to appreciate and understand her moral courage and independence. Ismene’s and Creon’s words are a reflection of their fear, as they disapprove of Antigone and her actions.
Creon declares that he alone is able to differentiate between right and wrong. What justifies this power? What gives his government or any such influence or government the authority to impose its views and wishes on anyone? All of us have free will and the ability distinguish between good and evil.
Antigone understands this. And she declares: “Who is to say that in this other universe, this is real piety?” […] In my nature, I love to be with others and hate not (573-576). Antigone is more concerned with honoring and respecting those whom she owes gratitude and love, while Creon is driven by his own self-interest. Haemon tells his dad: “You’re always talking, but never listening and understanding” (821).
Works Consulted
Original: According to the author
Paraphrased: The author states
Sophocles. Antigone. Ed. David Greene, Richard Lattimore. The University of Chicago published a book in 1991 in the city of Chicago.
